Middlesbrough and Hull enter race to sign Jota

West Ham have a long-standing interest in Brentford attacker Jota but are facing some fresh competition for the Spaniard.

The Gazette report that Championship outfits Middlesbrough and Hull are looking to sign Jota this summer as they continue to bolster their squads ahead of a promotion campaign.

Twitter: Brentford have turned down a Middlesbrough bid of £4.5m plus add-ons for forward Jota. (@SkySports_Keith)

Jota already has recorded three assists for Brentford this season but has missed the West London club’s last two games with a suspect back injury amid rumours surrounding his future.

We reported that West Ham saw an opening £3m bid turned down for the 26-year-old earlier this month but are yet to go in with another bid, but are planning on doing so when Robert Snodgrass’ move away from the club is finalised as the club are working with a ‘one in, one out’ policy.

Twitter: Middlesbrough have had a long-term interest in Brentford’s Jota – bid rejected, but set to get back with another offer. (@GraemeBailey)

Middlesbrough, the Championship’s biggest spenders this summer, have seen a bid turned down by Brentford for their star man worth £4.5m plus add-ons, but are ready to come back with an improved bid and could go as high as £6m.

Jota’s contract expires next summer and is eager to complete a move to the Premier League before next week’s transfer deadline. The player has agreed terms with West Ham and wants the move to happen, but a fee needs to be agreed.

Brentford value the attacker at £8m, but the Hammers were hoping to strike an agreement nearer the £6m mark. News of Middlesbrough’s bid could force the Hammers to stump up a fee closer to Brentford’s asking price if they want to get the deal done.

Snodgrass didn’t travel to Manchester United or Southampton with the first-team squad amid exit rumours and a loan move to Aston Villa is said to be nearing completion.

Once this move is completed, West Ham will revisit a deal for Jota and hope they can strike a deal relatively quickly given the groundwork for the deal is already done.